Luther, IA Live Doppler Radar
Live radar for Luther, Boone County: every NWS radar combined, rain, snow and ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and official warnings.
What weather hits Luther?
Since 1996, the National Weather Service has logged damaging thunderstorm winds on 86 days in the Boone forecast zone and Boone County — the most common reported hazard around Luther, mostly in June and July. Next come heavy snow & winter storms (55 days) and high winds (45 days).
| Hazard | Days reported | Most recent | Worst on record |
|---|---|---|---|
| Damaging thunderstorm winds | 86 | Jul 2025 | Jul 18, 2010 · $250,000 damage |
| Heavy snow & winter storms | 55 | Feb 2026 | Oct 26, 1997 · $3.2 million damage |
| High winds | 45 | May 2025 | Nov 10, 1998 · $305,000 damage |
| Flooding | 33 | Jun 2022 | Jun 12, 2010 · $20 million damage |
| Blizzards | 21 | Mar 2025 | Dec 20, 2012 · $100,000 damage |
| Extreme cold & wind chill | 19 | Jan 2025 | Sep 21, 1999 · $294,000 damage |
| Flash flooding | 19 | May 2024 | Jun 16, 1996 · $500,000 damage |
| Ice storms & sleet | 12 | Feb 2023 | Dec 23, 2009 · $500,000 damage |
Source: NOAA NCEI Storm Events Database, 1996–2026 (the latest year is partial). A "day" is a date with at least one report in the Boone forecast zone and Boone County; damage is as reported, not adjusted for inflation.
How much snow does Luther get?
A normal year brings about 33 inches of snow to Luther, based on NOAA's 1991–2020 climate normals for the Ames 8 Wsw weather station 4.3 miles away. The snowiest month is usually February (10.0 in).
| Oct | Nov | Dec | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 | 2.0 | 6.9 | 7.8 | 10.0 | 4.2 | 1.3 | 0.0 |
Normal snowfall in inches. TALON Pro compares this season's snow at your location with these normals as winter goes on.
Which radars cover Luther?
The closest NEXRAD Doppler radar is KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 17 miles south-southeast. Radar beams climb as they travel, so the height of the lowest scan over town decides how low in a storm the radar can see.
| Radar | Distance | Lowest beam over Luther | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| KDMX Des Moines, IA | 17 mi south-southeast | 900 ft | Excellent — the lowest scan sees close to the ground |
| KOAX Omaha, NE | 139 mi west-southwest | 16,100 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
| KDVN Quad Cities, IA | 169 mi east | 22,000 ft | Limited — the beam overshoots the lowest part of storms |
Beam height is the center of the 0.5° scan above the radar, with standard refraction. Mountains near a radar can block it further.
Tornado & hail history near Luther
Since 1950, NOAA has recorded 191 tornadoes within 25 miles of Luther, 46 of them EF2/F2 or stronger. Most came in May and June. The strongest was an F5 on June 13, 1976, which crossed near town. The most recent was a tornado of unknown strength on July 19, 2025, which passed about 13 miles northeast of town.
Hail: 676 reports of 1-inch or larger hail within 25 miles since 1955, 82 of them 2 inches or more; the largest was 5.50-inch hail on May 22, 2004.
Source: NOAA Storm Prediction Center — tornadoes 1950–2025, hail 1955–2025. Distances are to each tornado's track; ratings before February 2007 use the original Fujita scale.
On TALON you get Luther's live radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks with arrival times and NWS warnings free; close-up radar and rotation detection are part of TALON Pro.
Luther radar FAQ
Where is the nearest weather radar to Luther, IA?
KDMX (Des Moines, IA), about 17 miles south-southeast. KOAX (Omaha, NE) is 139 miles away and also covers the area.
Does radar show snow in Luther?
Yes. TALON colors snow blue, a rain–snow mix pink and freezing rain purple using NOAA's precipitation-type analysis. Over Luther the lowest scan from KDMX is about 900 ft up.
Is TALON's radar for Luther free?
Yes — the US radar loop, rain/snow/ice colors, flash-flood risk, storm tracks and NWS warnings are free in any browser. Close-up radar, rotation detection and longer forecasts are part of TALON Pro.
Should I rely on radar for my safety?
No app replaces official warnings. When the National Weather Service issues a warning for Luther, follow it right away — see watch vs. warning.
Radar for nearby towns
- Madrid, IA radar 6 mi
- Boone, IA radar 6 mi
- Slater, IA radar 9 mi
- Woodward, IA radar 10 mi
- Ames, IA radar 11 mi
- Ogden, IA radar 12 mi
- Huxley, IA radar 13 mi
- Gilbert, IA radar 13 mi
- Polk City, IA radar 14 mi
- Granger, IA radar 15 mi